October 12, 2012

Groundhog Day!

by patternmemommy

Today, we are taking our art supplies and meeting under the trees. Our mission is to create a mural worthy of the animal friends that roam our backyard. Call it installation art, call it crazy, but once you read about who (or what) is taking note of this incredible art, you will be RUNNING to your backyard with toddler and art supplies in tow! Trust me.

Using our contractor paper, I wrapped it around two trees in the backyard.

For our art supplies, I took some of our Crayola washable paint tubes that had just a little bit of paint left in them and poured a bit of water in them. Now they are squirt paint bottles! This will be a fun painting tool.

Using recycled apples sauce cups, I mixed our washable paint with water and set them in an aluminum roasting pan. Also in the pan is a variety of plastic syringes from our ice melt project and a spray bottle filled with watered down paint.

These fun tools allow C to work with paint in a way he never has before. He can squirt, spray, and throw paint directly onto the mural.

The messier, the better.

He also spent a lot of time trying to transfer paint from one squirt bottle to another. (Type-A alert – at first I started to say, “I don’t think that’s going to work,bud.” and then I quickly and silently told myself, “Shut up! Shut Up! Let him work with these materials any way he wants to. If it’s not going to work, let him figure that out.”

And so I sat back with C’s biggest fan (Baby Q) and watched and cheered him on.

It was a great afternoon!

And what did our animal friends think?

At first, it was dinner as usual.

And then, our Groundhog realized…

He was in the midst… of greatness!

Toddler Take-Aways

Creative Development
Fine motor skills
Fresh Air!
Deepen connection between art and nature
Work with colors and materials

Just loved this day!

Anna

October 9, 2012

Beautiful Changing Leaves (and an easy way to celebrate them)

by patternmemommy

Here’s an easy way to celebrate fall with your little ones!

Our autumn tree is made up of a very special trunk! We painted C’s arm and hand and printed it on the page.

Trunk and branches made from arm and handprint!

For the leaves, I gave C a palette of fall paint colors and another plate full of torn up tissue paper (leftover from our JetPack project), scraps of orange corduroy, pieces of a brown lunch bag, and for apples… we used hole punches from red construction paper. He LOVED working with the hole puncher!

C drizzled glue throughout the branches of his tree.

He decided against thumb and finger prints for leaves and went with the plate of scraps.

This one is going in a frame!

Toddler Take-Aways:

Connection between art and environment
Fine motor skill development
Sensory development
One-on-one time with Mommy : )

Enjoy!

Anna

September 28, 2012

Following Baby Q’s Lead

by patternmemommy

The best thing a pediatrician ever said to me was to follow my children’s interests. He said to pay close attention to what piques their interests and then immerse them in as much information and related experiences as those little sponge brains can absorb! In my house, that extends to what I am sewing for them!

Got an embroidery machine? I downloaded this applique from Applique Cafe and added a ‘Q’ to the book bag. To add texture, I used brown velveteen for the puppy!

One thing we already know about Baby Q. is that he loves dogs. When he sees one pass by, you’ll think he’s having a heart attack. He breathes so fast I’m not sure how he doesn’t pass out. Then he unleashes an ear-splitting squeal. He LOVES them. I am NOT prepared to get him a real puppy dog (seriously, I can only manage so many rear ends at once!) but I will put one on a longall/romper for him!

If you missed our Sew-Along for this pattern, you can check it out here! The main fabric is one of my father’s old Polo shirts! I chose a lining that would like great when the pants are rolled up (making them a little longer gives us a little more time in them).

When I went to the fabric store to talk buttons, the shop owners FORCED me to make covered buttons. I am not sure why, but I get so freaking intimidated to try something new… and so far, covering the buttons may be the easiest step I’ve ever taken in sewing. So, if you too are frightened, don’t be! For $2.50, you get a kit and instructions. Three minutes later, you are done!

Enjoy!

Anna

September 26, 2012

Easy Peezy PJs!

by patternmemommy

Call me crazy (and many have) but it seems like my 3-year-old grows out of his PJs quicker than any other garment in his closet. Not only that, but the color fades quickly and the pajamas go from precious to plain dingy. ICK!

So, my answer is to make his pajama bottoms and pair them with a store-bought long sleeve t-shirt. I found a pattern that makes this VERY EASY and super fast. I wish I could tell you that I have timed myself from start to finish. But the very moment I had that first baby, was the last time I completed any task in one sitting.

This organic cotton is called Robot Factory, designed by Caleb Gray for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.

BUT my best guess is, if undisturbed, I could make two or three pair in one hour. The pattern is the EASY FIT PANTS from Scientific Seamstress. This is a great pattern for beginners and the more advanced. The instructions come as a full color booklet – I mean that’s a revolution in sewing. I also use this to make regular pants for C.

This is C. NOT modeling his new Owl PJs!

TIP: When cutting out the pattern, I take 1/2 an inch off the sideline to ensure C doesn’t look like he’s wearing coolats.

With my model on strike, I had to photograph them the next morning, wrinkles and all : ) This fabric is Urban Zoologie Owls by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

This pattern does NOT have side seams which makes it particularly great for using prints because you don’t have to fuss with matching your prints. They also have a pattern size for adults. DISCLAIMER: I am writing about this pattern because it’s what I actually use, not because they are sponsoring me… but if they would like to….?

The best part about sewing these for my little man is that he really gets into the print. Last night he was hooting until he finally fell asleep!

Enjoy!

Anna

P.S. The monkey fabric is also Urban Zoologie by Robert Kaufman Fabrics.

September 24, 2012

When the Back-to-School Bug Bites Back!

by patternmemommy

WARNING: If you haven’t had children yet and still envision a Hollywood style life as Mom and Dad, STOP READING NOW!

You know back in August when I was dreaming of back-to-school time, a little more time to myself to sew, write, etc… I’d forgotten about what happens when you send your sweet little germ magnet to visit, play and learn with the other precious little germ magnets… the germs mix, increase their strength and like a time-release capsule… wreak havoc on all that extra time you gained one illness at a time.

The tally: Croup 4, ear infection 2, stomach bug 2, extra time ZERO!

It’s the kind of week, where your little one proudly announces they are headed to the potty, and then way to much time goes by. As you go to check on them, you hear a faint and worried cry for help. So you throw open the door, crouch down next to the little sickie to provide comfort… and kneel in puddle of pee! This is the motherhood.

So, I’m just going to pour myself a glass of wine and drink to health. Whatever that is. And if health happens I’ll have more time to post new entries here, and have more of that special imaginary time just for me!

Cheers!

Anna

September 14, 2012

Jon Jon Sew-Along: Day 3

by patternmemommy

This is the Johnny Pattern made up as a shortall for Easter!

It’s Day 3 of our Jon Jon (a.k.a romper or longall) sew-along and today we are going to finish our project. For those of you just joining us, we are sewing the Johnny Pattern from The Children’s Corner. If you missed Day 1 or Day 2 of our sew-along, no problem! This sew-along will stay on the site and you can catch up anytime you like. If you have any questions, just post them in the comments section of the blog and I’ll get back to you.

TODAY’S GOAL: Finish our Jon Jon!

We left off with the our lining and main fabric sewn together along the top edge, around the neck and arms. With strap corners clipped, we are ready to get started.

STEP 1: Turn your Jon Jon right side out. You can use the flat or dull end of a skewer to carefully and slowly poke out the corners of the straps. Now Iron.

STEP 2: This is optional. Try topstitching that seam.

A quilter’s walking foot really helps you smoothly top stitch, especially through the bulkier seams.

Just stitch 1/8 of an inch from the edge all the way around that top seam for a nice finished look.

STEP 3 – It’s time to sew the seams at the bottoms of our pant legs. Pull out the instructions that came with the pattern. You want to look at step 8 in the printed instructions. NOW, a little pep talk (the one I wish someone had given me). There is a part of sewing that feels like origami and this is that part. Just trust the pattern and trust the instructions. It will work.

Pick a pants leg and grab the bottom side seam of the romper.

Working with the same leg, grab the side seam of the lining with your other hand.

Now, with indifference to the rest of the outfit, flip those side seams around so that you have smacked them together, right sides facing each other and side seams matching.

In this pic, seams are together, right sides facing each other! Look at how it’s twisted the rest of the outfit into a hot mess. It will work out in the end, PROMISE!

PIN and sew. Now, flip right side out and press. Repeat for the other leg.

STEP 4 – Press the pant leg seams.

STEP 5 – Now, the only raw edges left are those for the crotch. Simply fold the raw edges under, pin (matching center seams), and sew.

STEP 6 – Now you are ready to apply your snaps. I use the snap setter and size 16 long prong snaps. They offer full instructions on their website and on the package. For longalls, I apply 10 sets of snaps. For shortalls, I apply 4 sets.

STEP 7 – Time to work your button holes and add buttons. You can have two buttons on each strap or one larger button which ever you prefer.

TIP: You will NEVER regret working a test button-hole using scraps of your main fabric and lining fabric. It’s a great way to catch mistakes or to make adjustments before working them on your finished garment.

YOU ARE DONE! You did it : )

Now it’s time for the catwalk…

Have a great weekend, time to make another…

Enjoy,

Anna

September 13, 2012

Jon Jon Sew-Along: Day 2

by patternmemommy

Another example of the Johnny Pattern. This one features a button-on tab front, which makes it super easy to button on a new one for Baby Q when he’s big enough for this hand-me-down!

Welcome back to my first Sew-along! If you missed the first day, no problem, click here to catch up. We are making a romper from the Children’s Corner Johnny pattern. Easy to make and to customize, you can fill their closets with longalls. At $60-80 a pop in stores, you are going to love being able to make this yourself and end up with a better product than you can buy. To set the record straight, the pattern maker is NOT sponsoring this sew-along. I picked this pattern because I love it and think you will, too. So let’s get going!

TODAY’S GOAL: Sew center front, center back and side seams of romper main fabric and lining, then attach main fabric to lining!

This where we left off yesterday. Front center seams and back center seams are pinned and ready to sew!

STEP ONE: Sew the center front seams.

STEP TWO: Sew back pieces together along back center seam. Press these seams open.

Close-up of seams pressed open.

STEP THREE: Repeat for lining.

NOTE: If you plan to embellish the front of the romper, now is the time. You can add a pocket (instructions included with your pattern), a monogram, applique, knee patches, etc. I will cover this in future blogs for sure. But for our first sew-along, I am keeping it simple. That said, since Baby Q is a boy and this owl fabric is working up on the feminine side of the things, I am going to use the embroidery machine and add a chunky Q to help this romper man up!

STEP FOUR: Now it’s time to attach the main fabric to the lining. You’ll want to stuff the lining inside the main fabric, RIGHT side to RIGHT side.

Lining is stuffed into main fabric shell. Notice raw seams on the outside and inside as RIGHT(pretty) sides are facing each other.

STEP FIVE: Pin around the neck, straps and arms. TIP: Pin at the top of the side seams first, then center seams, then tops of all four straps, then fill in the gaps with pins. This helps to keep the fabric together in all the important spots, the fabric evenly distributed. And you cannot over pin, but you can under pin and pay the price with fabric that shifts when you are sewing which means you’ll be ripping out a seam : (

STEP SIX: Sew the seam. Clip corners of straps, careful not to cut through the thread of the seams.

Clipping the corners of all four straps will makes nice corners when we turn them inside out!

Set aside until tomorrow when we finish our project! Also, I HATE snap tape, so I highly recommend buying an inexpensive snap setter tool and not just any inexpensive snap setter tool, but THIS ONE (again, not sponsors, I’ve just used the others and they are awful!). You’ll need size 16 long prong snaps. Here’s a source for them as well. Though please don’t miss this opportunity to support your local indie sewing store, they probably have both in stock or can order them for you : )

Until tomorrow! Oh, if you have questions or my instructions are not clear, PLEASE tell me! This is my first Sew-along so your feedback is so helpful! Click here to follow Day 3 instructions.

Enjoy!

Anna

September 12, 2012

Jon Jon Sew-Along: Day 1

by patternmemommy

Welcome to my first sew-along!

The first Jon Jon I made for my little man.

We are making a Jon Jon (also known as romper, longall, or shortall). To get started, you’ll need the Johnny Pattern from Children’s Corner. This is a great pattern and easy to customize once you get the hang of it! I’ve made them by the dozens, each one different, each one special. You are going to love this finished garment. It is one of the first outfits I made for C. And now with Baby Q about to turn 9 months old, I’ve got to get busy whipping these up again!

New to sewing? Don’t worry! This is easy and if you have any questions, just post them in the comments section.

This pattern also comes in larger sizes.

Let’s get started!

GOAL: Today we will prepare our fabric and the pattern.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: The first thing you want to do is wash and dry your fabric. This is very important. You want the fabric to shrink before you sew it together, not after.

Step 2: Iron the fabric. And leave your ironing board set up by the sewing machine, we are going to need it as we go along.

Step 3: I come from a family of Sewists and this tip came from my Aunt Margaret… and thank goodness! When I started sewing children’s clothes (something I found very intimidating and wasn’t sure I could pull off) she suggested I head to the nearest craft or art supply store and get a roll of tracing paper to trace my patterns. I bought that roll two and half years ago and am still working on it!

By tracing your patterns onto tracing paper, you can use the same pattern over and over and over again without the risk of ripping or ruining the original pattern and still have access to all of the sizes a pattern offers. This also allows you to customize your pattern while still holding onto the original. Trust me, trace your patterns and cut them out of tracing paper. You’ll be as grateful as I am that Aunt Margaret gave me that little tip!

For Baby Q., I am tracing the size 9 months pattern.

Simply, lay the pattern on the table. Lay the tracing paper over top. With a sharp pencil, trace the pattern as precisely as you can.

TIP: If a single pattern piece is meant for both your main fabric and your lining, I go ahead and trace this piece twice. That way I can pin and cut the main fabric and leave it pinned to the pattern. I pick up the extra I traced and pin in to lining fabric and cut. And it, too, can stay pinned to the pattern piece until I am ready to sew it. For me, this cuts down on confusion when it’s time to sew the pieces together. In this case I would end up with four pattern pieces: one for the lining front, one for the main fabric front, one for the lining back, one for the main fabric back).

Step 4: Cut out your pattern pieces.

Step 5: Fold your fabric. Look at the fold guide included in the instructions. This shows you how to fold your fabric and where to position the pattern pieces. You want the selvages together (the ends that were finished by the manufacturer not the ends that were cut at the store) and the good side of your fabric on the inside. Once folded you should be seeing the wrong side of your fabric.

Using a different piece of fabric, here is an example of how your pattern pieces will look atop your fabric. Now you are ready to pin and cut!

Step 6: Place your pattern pieces (a front and a back piece) on the main fabric (folded in half) according to the instructions. Pin. Cut. Since I am using a print for Baby Q’s Jon Jon, I am cutting out each piece one at a time, so my center seam will line up in the tree branches and not in the middle of an owl. You can perfectly match your prints, but in some cases you can compromise and (for me) this is one of those times.

Two front pieces and two back pieces ready to be sewn!

Step 7: Repeat step four, using your lining fabric.

Step 8: Pin the front pieces, right sides together, along the center front seam (the curved edge). Do the same for the two back pieces along the center back seam.

We made it through Day 1!

Tomorrow, we’ll start sewing and the Jon Jon will really take shape.

In the meantime…Any questions? Something unclear? This is my first sew-along, please don’t hesitate to let me know if I need to clarify! Click here to follow Day 2 instructions.

This is one of the last rompers I made for C. The mittens are pockets!

September 11, 2012

Feather Hunt: Easy After School Fun!

by patternmemommy

Found one!

Today we are heading outside for a nature walk! But not just any nature walk. We have an artist-in-residence today (a.k.a G.G. or grandpa!) and G.G. has a special way of making the normal VERY interesting. Unbeknownst to my 3-year-old, G.G. has a fantastic collection of bird feathers and he has littered the backyard with them. We are going on a feather hunt!

C. had to really practice hunching over and slowly scanning the ground for our feathered treasure!

If you don’t have feathers to sprinkle in your yard (or a park), many craft stores have real bird feathers for sale.

The best part about this came long after the feather hunt. Crowley gathered his feathers and placed them by the back window. Why? That offers a view of our bird feeder. He loves standing there and matching feather to bird, as they gather to eat the bird seed. This was unexpected and so much fun!

TODDLER TAKE AWAYS!

Spark their interest in nature
Develop problem solving skills
Deepen their experience of nature in general and birds specifically
Develop cognitive and relationship skills when you match feather to bird
Exercise
Hand eye coordination

Enjoy!

Anna

September 10, 2012

Now What?!

by patternmemommy

Off he goes to preschool!

It’s hard to believe that summer is over! As usual, sending kids back-to-school produces a strange soup of feelings. You have the happy with the sad. Relief with the melancholy. Then there’s the happy-to-see-them-off paired with a flip floppy heart at pick up time because you’ve missed them so. The only other time I’ve had so many conflicting feelings on a regular basis was in junior high school!

This has been a great summer, a great adventure, and even more special because all of you joined us. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

So…ummm….now what?!

More adventures in parenting. More sewing (a lot more sewing). More cooking. More hits and misses of mommydom. So stick around …and if ever you have a question or an idea, please post it in the comments section!

Tomorrow, a fun and easy afterschool activity to engage their minds and expel their energy. And on Wednesday, our first sew along! Want to make a jon jon (longall) with me? You’ll need a copy of the Johnny Pattern from The Children’s Corner and supplies listed on the back of the pattern. You can easily find these at your local sewing store or order directly from the company by click on the link above. You’ll also need a roll of tracing paper from a craft store (and a #2 pencil). We’ll sew each step together and end up with a precious outfit for the little ones.

One more thing! Help me spread the word about PatternMeMommy. If you are enjoying the posts, please invite your mommy friends to join us.

Enjoy!

Anna

September 4, 2012

Back-to-School Books to Fall in Love With

by patternmemommy

Kissing Hands!

Back to school time can be so complicated, can’t it? The schedule, the supplies, the relief, the separation anxiety for munchkin (and Mama). Part of how we are getting ready is by reading a lot about school. And there are some great books to spark the imagination and comfort little hearts (and big ones!)

As the picture up top suggests, we love The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn This book gives children a fantastic tool to help them say goodbye by having mommy’s kisses in the palm of their little hands, to be planted on their chubby cheeks at will. Our edition even comes with heart shaped stickers to stick to your little one’s palms. But you can also draw little hearts onto the hands as a symbol of your love for them to look at throughout their school day.

Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton is another winner. It is illustrated with such whimsy, creating a world that’s fun to spend time in. This story can help children explore their fear of going to school as Splat the Cat experiences his own anxieties, which all melt away when a wild and unexpected school adventure reveals the upside of school time.

One of my favorite children’s books in the world is this one, Oh My Baby, Little One By Kathi Appelt and illustrated by Jane Dyer. This story is told in the sweetest rhyme. It is very well written and provides precious comfort for your little one. This is also a wonderful gift for mothers going back to work after maternity leave. Through the story of baby bird who is struggling to separate from Mama Bird, we learn that a mother’s love is ALWAYS with her baby. Not to repeat myself, but I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Skippyjon Jones, Class Action by Judy Schachner brings a zany fun to going to school. I am always amazed at how Schachner’s tales of this chihuahua wannabe fascinate and completely engross my son. This gives C. and I something to laugh about and turns our school talk from separation to silly with questions like, “will you be sure to tell me if you see any pigeons driving school buses?”

My last back-to-school buy for you is Laura Numeroff’s If You Take A Mouse to School. She is one of our most favorite authors and for good reason. Her books are special. And this one is no exception. The tale of a little mouse who, after making one demand and then another and another and another, can not be satisfied… wow, this sounds familiar. Reading this story not only offers a fun story in a school setting but a good opportunity to laughingly remind your little one when they are channeling the main character!

Enjoy!

Anna

August 29, 2012

‘R’ is for Rocket!

by patternmemommy

And ‘C’ is for croup! Baby Q and I had a midnight to 3AM mommy-baby date at the ER this weekend. One massive dose of steroids later, he was breathing like a champ. It was my first trip to ER as mom and Q’s first trip at all. As a bonus, he witnessed his first perp walk (when policeman leads perpetrator away in handcuffs!) Much of my former professional life was devoted to capturing the perp walk on camera! A rite of passage, I’d say, for the child of two journalists! Since we didn’t see any gun shot victims and didn’t have to stay for more than 3 hours, I’d say we got out unscathed. Baby Q is feeling much better!

As for the letter ‘R.’ Inspired by the PBS show Word World, we fashioned a rocket out of the letter ‘R!’

Made of construction paper, blue cellophane, and aluminum foil.

Also, I have stumbled onto a fun way to teach my 3-year-old the sounds that each letter makes. First, you have to understand his favorite song in the universe is “Jingle Bells.” He learned it last Christmas and that song hasn’t released its grip on that busy brain since. So we are singing that tune, using only the ‘R’ sounds. He gets into it and takes a step closer to reading. Fun.

Also, Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker is a perfect space book for C’s age. We really enjoyed it. It’s simple and reinforces what we’re learning!

Enjoy!

Anna

August 27, 2012

Jetpack Super Power

by patternmemommy

Sometimes in life you just need a little extra umph.

So, today, we are making a jet pack… or personal rocket engine, if you prefer. It’s fun and keeps my monkey’s interest in Space study alive and well. It also makes small bikes move at turbo speeds. Or so it seems.

I found the idea here on Doodlecraft. Her directions are awesome. I’ll run you through the steps as we made a few changes along the way.

SUPPLIES:

Piece of cardboard
Two soda bottles (we used one-liters but the bigger size will work great as well)
Spray Paint
Tissue Paper
Hot Glue Gun
Ribbon, webbing or other material for straps.

STEP ONE:

Spray paint your bottles. I actually sprayed the inside of them (which I should have done while wearing gloves) but you can get spray paint for plastic at the craft store if you want to spray the outside.

STEP TWO:

Cut out a piece of cardboard that will support the bottles and fit your little one’s back.

STEP THREE:

Using scissors, put four slits in cardboard to accommodate straps.

STEP FOUR:

Take your tissue paper and crumple in the middle, squeezing and twisting, to make a long tail you can stuff into the bottles.

STEP FIVE:

Add straps.

STEP SIX:

Glue gun bottles to the cardboard. Let dry.

You are done! Now it’s time for your little one to see of that jet pack adds just the right amount of power.

We found the jet packs paired with a bicycle makes the perfect space rocket.

To infinity and beyond!

Enjoy!

Anna

August 24, 2012

Field Trip (or why we went running like crazies from our house!)

by patternmemommy

Checking out NASA’a lunar landing module mockup, used in preparation for moon landing!

Dear lord we are up to our eyeballs in sleep training. Which feels more like mommy’s internal fight between two evil forces: listen to your baby cry and cry -or- never sleep through the night again. We are also mid way through the battle of wills: 3-year-old vs. 30-something. Good times. So this group of family fun needed a field trip in the worst way.

So we headed out first thing this morning and I am so glad we did. It was a five-hour break from the ugga buggas of trying to raise great humans. Which, as it turns out, is a lot of work.

But when my little man C. looked at this lunar landing exhibit and enthusiastically shouted MOON SAND so loudly everyone in the building could hear him… my heart burst with love and pride (which I would need as soon as we pulled back into our driveway and a certain unwanted behavior returned with us.)

All of the exploring at a local space exhibit brought home all of the lessons we’ve had here at home. It was a great day… (well, most of it : )

Enjoy!

Anna

August 22, 2012

TUTORIAL: How To Make a Belt (for your toddler, teen or you)

by patternmemommy

It’s part of our ritual every morning during the week. C loves to helps his Dad put on a belt just before my husband heads out the door to work. Today my 3-year-old big boy announced it was time he had a belt of his own. So as soon as Baby Q’s nap time hit, off we trekked to the sewing machine. And in 20 minutes, C. had his very first big boy belt. Here’s the step by step of how we did it.

SUPPLIES:

I’m a big believer in using what I have on hand. So initially I was thinking preppy grosgrain ribbon belt with D-rings. But alas, no ribbon the right size or color, so I used a strip of fun fabric instead. But just remember, you can be as creative or as simple with this as you wish. This tutorial is just a foundation.

Scrap of fabric long enough to accomodate the length of your belt.
Piece of batting just as long as your fabric
Pair of D-rings (available at your local sewing store)

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP ONE: Prepare your fabric. I pressed mine with a hot iron and lots of spray starch.

STEP TWO: Determine the length and width of your belt. We wanted our finished belt to be 1.5 inches wide and 27 long.

STEP THREE: Take your width measurement and multiply it by 4. That number is how wide you need your fabric to be. So ours is 6 inches wide by 27 inches long. Keep in mind, you’ll want a belt that’s long enough to weave through the D-rings and hang down just a bit.

STEP FOUR: Cut your fabric using the measurements from Step 3.

STEP FIVE: Cut a piece of batting. That is just shy of the length of your belt and as wide as the finished belt. Out batting strip is 26.5 inches by 1.5 inches